After two weeks of record-breaking storms that swamped new Zealand’s largest city and killed four people, New Zealanders are bracing for a major cyclone.
Much of Auckland ground to a halt as train services were canceled, libraries and most schools were closed, and authorities asked people to make only essential trips. Air New Zealand canceled all domestic flights to and from Auckland through midday Tuesday, as well as many international flights.
Some international routes would continue operating, although might need to be diverted from Auckland. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Northland, Auckland, and some other regions. Two weeks ago, Aucklanders experienced the wettest day ever recorded in the city, as the amount of rain that would typically fall over the entire summer hit in a single day.
Quickly rising floodwaters and landslides killed four people, caused widespread disruption, and left hundreds of homes unlivable.
